It’s not a new idea that buying a used car can be risky. However, with some proper research, you can bag a deal that can land you with a great new vehicle at a bargain price. Even better, you could do all of this with a car that benefits the environment. As traditional gas and diesel cars begin to be phased out, a blend of electric motors and hybrid vehicles will rise to the occasion.
Demand is ramping up. Companies such as Shelbourne Motors have a range of nicely priced and used electric cars on offer, leading the charge on selling cars that have zero emissions. However, not all car users are ready for the big leap, partly due to the added expense from other sellers. It’s understandable, but not entirely excusable when it comes to emissions, so settling for a used hybrid car should at least be a comfortable middle ground.
So, for those who are looking to discover the best of the best, and avoid a few rotten eggs, here’s a quickfire list of used hybrid cars you should keep an eye out for.
Best: Toyota Prius
You’ll find this car somewhere on just about every used hybrid car list out there, but it’s more than earned its position as a world-famous hybrid car. The Toyota Prius is one of the cleanest vehicles on the used hybrid car circuit and has enjoyed great success in both the US and Japan. It’s inescapable that Toyota have done a stellar job innovating in this sector, and if the car has international appeal, then there’s really something for everyone.
Avoid: 2010 BMW Active Hybrid X6
This car is simply a bit of a flop. The 2010 BMW Active Hybrid X6 has an engine that has a substantial delay between the engine shutting off and kick starting. Depreciation has lowered the costs from it’s overpriced beginnings, but frankly, buying a used one of these means you’re just taking on someone else’s passed down mistake. In terms of fuel consumption, the car boasts a 7-mpg city and 19mpg highway EPA rating, which is obviously not that great for a hybrid that is supposedly low on emissions…
Best: BMW i3 Range Extender
BMW haven’t made sure everything has gone to pot though. The BMW i3 Range Extender really keys in to its hybrid status, delivering a car that is mostly electric in its running. The petrol engine usage simply serves as a backup generator when the battery dies out, meaning that users aren’t constantly flittering back and forth between no emissions and emissions. Ultimately, this car is the right kind of economical in it’s fuel usage as a hybrid, using petrol as a last resort.
Avoid: 2010-2012 Lexus HS 250h
You only have to google this hybrid car to come across a wealth of bad reviews. The 2010-2012 Lexus HS 250h has been bombarded by complaints through the years, lamenting poor handling, a noisy engine and just an all-round rubbish driving experience. Furthermore, barely anyone has bought one used or otherwise, which should be indicator enough to avoid this one.
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